Lights out for regular bulbs

THE traditional light bulb is to be banned by 2009 under a raft of energy efficiency standards announced by the Minister for Environment yesterday.

By getting rid of the traditional bulb, 700,000 tonnes of CO2 emissions will be saved every year.

It is also estimated that the low energy alternatives will save householders in the region of €185 million a year in lower bills.

Under the carbon budget announced yesterday, minimum energy efficiency standards for lighting will be introduced from 2009, resulting in an effective ban on the sale of the most inefficient traditional light bulbs.

Environment Minister John Gormley said the change would end the use of incandescent light bulbs in Ireland. However, he accepted there would be “teething problems” and reasoned a full year would be required to bring about the proposed changes.

Pointing to the introduction of a tax on plastic bags, the smoking ban and the ban on the sale of smoky coal, he said that although there will be “legitimate difficulties” the proposal would be implemented.

“Legislation will be prepared... next year setting a general energy efficiency standard of 25 lumens per watt. As part of preparation of the legislation, there will be consultation with all stakeholders to ensure the measures can be effectively implemented.”